The Santa Barbara Independent

Supreme Court Rejects Trump Emergency Intervention in California Elections

Election 2026 By Nick Welsh

Of the 20,000 alleged non-citizens casting ballots, 180 reportedly originated in Santa Barbara County.

Friedman Mayoral Campaign Flush with Cash; Sneddon Says Santa Barbara Not for Sale

Election 2026 By Nick Welsh

On eve of November 3 election, Friedman still leads in campaign fundraising.

The ‘Santa Barbara Independent’ Endorsements for the General Election, November 3, 2026

Endorsements By Indy Staff

Our choices for national, state, and regional offices, and the propositions.

Santa Barbara County Students Stage Walkouts, Congressmember Calls for Investigation Amid ICE Surge

Immigration By Ryan P. Cruz

Central Coast community and officials speak out against increased ICE activity following the detention of a special needs student and U.S. citizen in Santa Maria.

Jazz Great Charles Lloyd Brings His Quartet Home to Santa Barbara

Music By John Zant

Nov. 12 Lobero Theatre show features Lloyd with Bill Frisell, Larry Grenadier, and Kweku Sumbry.

The Writer Speaks About ‘Spake as a Child’

Books By Jim Buckley

DJ Palladino will sign his new book at Chaucer’s on November 9.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra Opens CAMA Season

Music By Josef Woodard

Famed “conductorless” chamber orchestra returns to town, opening the new season of renowned orchestra and chamber music.

Panel Discussion + Q&A: “El Niño in your Backyard”

Thu, Nov 05 5:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Make It or Shape It: Own Your Innovation Pathway

Fri, Nov 06 2:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Free Dental Services for Veterans at Tribal Clinic

Thu, Nov 05 8:00 AM

Santa Ynez

Gallery 113: Watercolors by Kelly Hildner – “Birds of the Central Coast”

Thu, Nov 05 5:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Unite to Light’s Power of Possibility

Thu, Nov 05 5:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Queen of Arts Artisan and Craft Fair

Fri, Nov 06 3:00 PM

Solvang

IVRPD’s Dia de los Muertos Event

Fri, Nov 06 5:00 PM

Goleta

Carpinteria Arts & Crafts Faire

Sat, Nov 07 10:00 AM

Carpinteria

11th Annual Santa Barbara Mural Bike Ride

Sat, Nov 07 10:00 AM

Santa Barbara

New Parent Resource Fair with SBPL

Sat, Nov 07 10:30 AM

SANTA BARBARA

Fall Plant Sale 2026

Sat, Nov 07 1:00 PM

Santa Barbara

Storytelling for the Screen: “Licorice Pizza” (35mm)

Sat, Nov 07 2:00 PM

Santa Barbara

multimedia Stories

Fashion Meets Environmental Activism at UpCycle Couture

Video

Six designers create eco-conscious looks at Santa Barbara’s sustainable fashion show.

Zach Gill’s Star Shines at Pianos on State Performance

Video

ALO and Jack Johnson Band Man Shines in Pianos on State Performance on October 16.

Día de los Muertos Calenda Celebration Comes Alive

Living the Day of the Dead in downtown Santa Barbara.

UCSB Arts & Lectures ‘Air Time’: Terrace Martin

Audio

A conversation with Charles Donelan.

Music Academy Breaks Grounds on ‘The Muse’ in Downtown Santa Barbara

Photo

Former Forever 21 at 901 State Street starts its transformation into a music hall and education center at Thursday’s groundbreaking.

Dos Pueblos and Rio Mesa Get Down in Post-Game Dance Battle

Video

The two teams broke out into an impromptu dance battle in a show of sportsmanship after Dos Pueblos won the game 48-6.

Santa Barbara Students and Community Members Speak out Against Recent Blackface Incident

Video

Community members call for consequences for students involved in San Marcos blackface incident at October 13th school board meeting.

Larry Nimmer Throws a Dart at the Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour

Video

Santa Barbara filmmaker’s new snstallment of D’Art series surveys a variety of artists in their studios.

‘Scream If You Love Raising Canes’

Video

Community members and protesters show up for the grand opening of Raising Cane’s in Goleta.

‘LA Times’ Star Mark Barabak Breaks Down Midterms State of Play: Dems Look Solid to Win House, Puncher’s Chance to Take Senate

Video

California’s top political columnist returns to “Newsmakers TV” for in-depth and detailed analysis of how Iran war and Trump’s unpopularity triggered a “red undertow” that may lead to “blue wave.”

Arts & Entertainment

Review | A Tale of Two Russians, Plus One

Music By Josef Woodard

Santa Barbara Symphony opens its new season with strong doses of Russian music, from Rachmaninoff — featuring dazzling pianist Michelle Cann — and Shostakovich, and a sprig of Stravinsky.